“Where did you come from?” she asks, looking up at me.

Ah.

Umm . . . “I . . .”

“You followed me, didn’t you?” she asks over a gasp, her body tensing.

I have no other choice but to step into defense mode. “And it’s a good job.” God knows what that creep would have done if I’d not intervened. “Where’s Kate?” Just as I ask the question, she appears, asking what’s going on.

Can’t she hear the fucking horns? Keep your cool. We’ll be dealing with the van matter later. “I think you need to move your van, Kate.”

She looks up the street, her shoulders jumping up, as if she really couldn’t give a shit that she’s holding up London with her heap-of-crap van. “Oh, okay.”

I shake my head, pulling away from Ava and checking her over. Her feet are bare. “Where are your shoes?”

She brushes at her nose. “They’re in the back of Margo,” she says, motioning to the pink van. I frown. Margo? “The van,” she explains.

Margo’s a van? I’ve heard it all. Well, she’d better say goodbye to Margo because she isn’t going to be around for much longer. I dip and scoop Ava up, taking her to a wall and placing her on it. “I’m not even going to ask how they got there,” I say, convincing myself, wisely, not to add to my grievances.

“I’ll get them,” Kate declares, and a few seconds later she’s handing Ava her heels. I focus on those and those alone. They’re very nice heels. Would look lovely around my neck.

I leave Ava slipping them on and go to the van, yanking the door open. “What the fucking hell?” I say, taking in the mess inside. It’s filthy, magazines and coffee cups everywhere. This thing is ready for the scrapyard, which is exactly where it’s heading. I drag Ava’s bag off the seat and make my way back over, seeing the girls talking quietly. What are they saying? My man brain wants to know, but they both shut up as I near, Kate looking cautious. I can only imagine my face is still burning red.

“Kate, you need to shift that van before war breaks out,” I say as Ava gets to her feet, wincing. I frown. “I’m taking Ava with me.”

“You are?” Ava asks, sounding shocked.

“Yes, I am.” She shouldn’t defy me on this. It seems I’ve got a temper where she’s concerned, and I’m not afraid to use it.

Kate smiles, moving in and kissing Ava before sauntering off. I can’t find it in myself to say goodbye or even look at her. I’m too busy wondering why the fuck Ava winced when her arse met the wall.

“Why are you flinching?” I ask brusquely as she stands again. And winces again.